Indulge in the Delight of Butter Pecan Cookies
Butter Pecan Cookies are a delicious treat that anyone can make at home. These cookies combine the rich taste of butter with the nutty flavor of pecans, creating a sweet, satisfying snack. Whether you are planning for a special occasion or just want to enjoy a delightful dessert, this recipe is simple and rewarding. Baking can be a therapeutic experience, and these cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends or savoring all on your own!
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Butter Pecan Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Butter Pecan Cookies that combine rich butter flavor with nutty toasted pecans, perfect for sharing or enjoying alone.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup toasted pecans (coarsely chopped)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toast the pecans on a baking sheet for about 8-10 minutes.
- Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined.
- Fold in the toasted pecans.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto lined baking sheets with space in between.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on wire racks before serving.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Why Make This Recipe
There are several reasons to try your hand at making Butter Pecan Cookies. First, they pack a punch of flavor that combines sweetness with the crunch of toasted pecans. This blend makes them unique compared to plain cookies. Second, the ingredients used are simple and often found in most kitchens, making it easy to whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes.
Baking these cookies also allows for creativity. You can adjust the sweetness according to your taste, add more pecans if you’re a fan of nuts, or perhaps even mix in some chocolate chips for an extra treat. Cookies are great for any occasion, be it a family gathering, a picnic, or just a cozy night in watching movies. Lastly, the smell of these cookies baking will fill your home with a comforting aroma, making the baking experience all the more enjoyable.
How to Make Butter Pecan Cookies
Making Butter Pecan Cookies is a straightforward process that allows even amateur bakers to create a delicious snack. Here’s everything you’ll need and the steps to make them.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup toasted pecans (coarsely chopped)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C): Start by preheating your oven. This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out just right.
Toast the pecans: Place the pecans on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 8-10 minutes. This process brings out their rich flavor. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a mixer to cream these ingredients together for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for the texture of your cookies.
Add the eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This will help to incorporate the eggs thoroughly into the butter and sugar mixture.
Mix the dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that the baking soda is well-distributed throughout the flour.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Fold in the pecans: Once the dough is formed, gently fold in the toasted pecans. The aim is to distribute the pecans without breaking them apart too much.
Drop the dough onto baking sheets: Use rounded tablespoons of dough to drop onto lined baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool before serving: After baking, allow the cookies to cool on wire racks. This cooling process helps them finish setting and makes them easier to handle.
By following these steps, you’ll have a batch of Butter Pecan Cookies ready in no time!
How to Serve Butter Pecan Cookies
Serving Butter Pecan Cookies can be just as enjoyable as baking them. A good way to present your cookies is to place them on a nice platter or in a decorative cookie jar. You can serve them warm for a delicious treat paired with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. Cookies also make for a delightful addition to any dessert table at parties or gatherings.
Consider making a cookie sandwich by pairing two cookies together with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in between. This can turn your simple Butter Pecan Cookies into a decadent dessert! Enjoy them as a snack, a gift for friends, or a homemade treat for family.
How to Store Butter Pecan Cookies
To keep your Butter Pecan Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their flavor and texture for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the cookies.
To freeze, place the completely cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, making sure to separate layers with parchment paper. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them slightly.
Tips to Make Butter Pecan Cookies
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start baking. This helps to create a better mix and results in fluffier cookies.
Don’t Skip the Toasting: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a lovely crunch to your cookies. Always take the time to toast them before mixing into the dough.
Check for Doneness: Since ovens can vary, start checking your cookies a minute or two before the recommended baking time. They should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the middle.
Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or different nuts to customize your cookies. The combination possibilities are endless!
Use a Cookie Scoop for Uniformity: A cookie scoop can help you create even-sized cookies, ensuring they bake uniformly.
Variations
While Butter Pecan Cookies are fabulous on their own, you can easily switch things up to suit your taste. Here are a few variations to consider:
Chocolate Chip Butter Pecan Cookies: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious chocolatey twist.
Spiced Butter Pecan Cookies: Incorporate some cinnamon or nutmeg into your flour mixture for a delightful spiced flavor.
Maple Butter Pecan Cookies: Substitute some of the sugar with maple syrup or extract for a warm, maple flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but omit the additional salt in the recipe. This will help keep the flavor balanced.
2. How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Check for lightly golden edges and a soft center. They will continue to cook a little after being removed from the oven.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before scooping and baking.
Creating your Butter Pecan Cookies is a joyful experience that can bring warmth and happiness to your home. With this detailed guide, you can bake a batch that will delight everyone around you. Happy baking!